Mention the steps which take place before the election day in our country?
Answers
Explanation:
Old, hand-written and photocopied electoral lists of the past have been updated this time and computerised in Urdu. This was done based on a house-to-house survey in urban areas, and examination of land and other records in rural areas.
These updated lists are available for any person to apply for corrections. They have been made available to every party, to Registration Officers and to anyone else who wants it.
For the first time anywhere in the country, voters slips (identifying serial number in the electoral list and place of voting) are being delivered by the Election Commission itself to the doorsteps of the voters. This is being done throughout the State. It has also been indicated that if any person of eligible age does not receive this slip, he is entitled to approach the Commission for rectification/verification.
Observers from other States in India, which is the normal practice during elections in any part of the country, have been identified. In contrast to elections elsewhere, this time they have already made visits well in advance to assess the preparations and make recommendations for any modification. The Chief Election Commissioners have themselves extensively toured the State.
At least one person in each district of each specified party has been provided security, so that political activity can be carried out, despite any fear or threat of terrorist activity.
Electronic voting machines are going to be used for the first time and would cover 100% of the voting. This would minimise any errors in calculation.
At each polling booth, out of 4 or 5 Polling Officers present, two would be from outside the State. This would be an important confidence building measure and would encourage non-partisan behaviour.
Polling booths are being set-up in Delhi, Jammu and Udhampur to enable migrants to vote.
Electoral photo identity cards are being issued to each voter, free of cost. There has been a large turn out, despite ill-informed reports, of people to get these identity cards. If some people are still unable to get them, other forms of identification would also be accepted.
As against 6,000 polling booths in the previous election, another 1,000 have been added this time, to make it easier for the voters.
Strict instructions have been issued that no transportation assistance should be provided to the voters. They should go to the booths of their own free will, and through their own arrangements.
Visits of the media have been encouraged, both as a confidence building measure, to get an accurate feedback on arrangements, and also to disseminate information on the process and preparations.
Adequate security arrangements have been made for the voters, including through provision of additional central paramilitary forces.